Saban Capital Group is buying back the license for Power Rangers from Walt Disney. Haim Saban and company are bringing the series to Nickelodeon, with catalog episodes airing on Nicktoons later this year and 20 new episodes launching on the two networks in 2011 under the direction of executive producer Jonathan Tzachor.
Saban is looking to renew its collaboration with Toei Co., the company that produces the Super Sentai series that Power Rangers is based upon. With this acquisition (rumored to be less than $100 million) Power Rangers becomes the first property in the new Saban Brands that will focus on properties in entertainment, lifestyle and fashion.
A consequence of this is that Power Rangers programs are expected to disappear from Disney channels post haste, and the show’s violence apparently never meshed well on the networks. “It didn’t fit with the Disney brand. Moms didn’t like it,” said Disney spokemsan Jonathan Friedland.
“Power Rangers is one of the world’s leading children’s entertainment properties, and we are delighted to see its return,” said SCG chairman and CEO Haim Saban. “I am confident that the talented management team at Saban Brands will expand our licensing partnerships and capitalize on the significant growth potential of this powerful brand.”
While this deal not only nets Saban the rights to the over 700 Power Ranger episodes already made and the rights to produce more, it also includes a long-term toy and video game license deal with Bandai Namco Group.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
